Galatasaray Edge Liverpool 1–0 in Istanbul as Lemina Strike Gives Turkish Giants First-Leg Advantage
March 10, 2026
214d agoGalatasaray secured a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Liverpool F.C. in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday night in Istanbul. The intense encounter at RAMS Park saw the Turkish champions take an early lead and defend resolutely to frustrate the Premier League side.
The decisive moment arrived in the 7th minute when midfielder Mario Lemina headed home from close range following a corner. The move began when Victor Osimhen cleverly redirected the ball across the goal, allowing Lemina to dive in and power a header past the Liverpool defense. The early goal ignited the home crowd and gave Galatasaray a perfect start in the knockout tie.
Liverpool responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, with chances falling to players such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. However, Galatasaray’s defensive organization and a solid performance from goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır kept the visitors at bay.
Despite several promising attacks, the Reds struggled to break through the disciplined Turkish back line.
The match also produced moments of controversy. Galatasaray thought they had doubled their lead in the second half when Osimhen found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside earlier in the build-up.
Liverpool later had a goal overturned following a VAR review that judged the ball had struck defender Ibrahima Konaté’s hand during the attacking sequence.
In the end, Galatasaray held on to secure a vital first-leg advantage, leaving Liverpool with work to do ahead of the return leg at Anfield next week.
With only one goal separating the sides, the tie remains finely poised, but the Turkish champions will travel to England full of confidence after a memorable European night in Istanbul.
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